TITLE:
Assessing Social Determinants of Health and Healthcare Outcomes among Complex Patients in the Eastern Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia
AUTHORS:
Saad Alshahrani, Ohud Alanazi, Fatimah Almulhim, Abdul Salam
KEYWORDS:
Social Determinants of Health, Healthcare Utilization, Complex Patients, Population Health Management, Chronic Diseases
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.15 No.3,
August
27,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Complex patients with frequent hospital admissions pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, these patients often experience health disparities driven by Social Determinants Of Health (SDOH), including economic stability, education, and access to healthcare. Understanding the role of the SDOH in shaping health outcomes and utilization patterns is critical for achieving equitable care. Objective: This study investigated the associations between SDOH and healthcare outcomes among complex patients in the Eastern Health Cluster (EHC). This study aims to identify key social factors influencing frequent admissions and guide strategies to reduce disparities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 487 complex patients across EHC hospitals. Data were collected from medical records and patient surveys via the Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool. The SDOH stratified patients into “low-impact” (0 - 5) and “high-impact” (≥6) strata. Statistical analyses were used to assess the associations between SDOH levels, demographic characteristics, health outcomes, and utilization patterns. Results: Patients with high-impact SDOH (high-impact strata) were more likely to have chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (16.7% vs. 7.9%; p = 0.005) and mental health disorders (9.1% vs. 2.0%; p Conclusions: This study highlights the critical influence of SDOH on health outcomes in complex patients. Despite equitable health care access, disparities persist in disease prevalence. Tailored interventions addressing SDOH are essential for improving health equity and reducing hospitalizations in Saudi Arabia.